The Australian Moment

Author: George Megalogenis
Publisher: Penguin Group Australia
ISBN: 0670075213
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 470

Book Description
'Likely to become the essential short work on modern Australia' Don Watson'Megalogenis is Australia's best explainer ...... A brilliant read' Annabel CrabbWinner of the2013 Prime Minister's Literary Award, 2012 Walkley Book Award, and Australia's bestselling political book of 2012There's no better place to be during economic turbulence than Australia. Brilliant in a bust, we've learnt to use our brains in a boom. Despite a lingering inability to acknowledge our achievements at home, the rest of the world asks- how did we get it right?George Megalogenis, one of our most respected political and economic writers, reviews the key events since the 1970s that have forged institutional and political leadership and a canny populace. He examines how we developed from a closed economy racked by the oil shocks, toughed it out during the sometimes devastating growing pains of deregulation, and survived the Asian financial crisis, the dotcom tech wreck and the GFC to become the last developed nation standing in the 2000s. As a result, whatever happens next, we're as well positioned as any to survive the ongoing rumblings of the Great Recession. Drawing on newly declassified documents, fresh interviews with our former prime ministers and a unique ability to bring the numbers to life, Megalogenis describes how, at just the right time, the Australian people became more farsighted than our politicians. We stopped spending before the rest of the world, and at the top of a boom voted out a government that was throwing around the biggest bribes ever offered. The Australian Momentis packed with original insight, challenging our often partisan selective memories and revealing how our leadership and community have underestimated each other's contribution to the nation's resilience.'This man is perhaps the sanest journalist in Australia. He believes in facts and figures. He has a unique grasp of politics in all its messy detail. The result is this splendid account of the great reforms of the last 40 years that have made Australia, he says, 'the last rich nation standing in the 21st century'.' David Marr 'Megalogenis has the rare gift of being both comprehensive and detailed. He identifies big-picture global trends and demonstrates them forensically. The Australian Moment is him at his insightful, meticulous best. Anyone interested in Australia's political history and future, anyone who wants to understand our economic and cultural development, has no reasonable choice but to imbibe this. It is indispensably important.' Waleed Aly'Arguably the most important work on Australian economics and modern political history of our generation' Australian Book Review'Probably the best exposition of Australia's political history over the period of market liberal reform, and from the viewpoint of the reformers, that we have seen, or are likely to' John Quiggin, Canberra Times'Stimulating ... It is a tribute to the intellectual power of the book that it provokes the reader to consider seriously the compelling counter-argument that, instead of continuing to progress, we have in some crucial ways squandered our inheritance' Sydney Morning Herald'The Australian Momentreminds us that politics really does matter because the power of government matters ... George Megalogenis is no ordinary journalist' Canberra Times'Lucid and flowing ... One of the best communicators in Australia today' Courier-Mail'Wise, considered and incisive ... a lucid and penetrating portrait of Australia during the past 40 years' Herald Sun'Highly recommended' Good Reading

The Australian Moment

Author: George Megalogenis
Publisher: Penguin Group Australia
ISBN: 1742534856
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 430

Book Description
'Likely to become the essential short work on modern Australia' Don Watson 'Megalogenis is Australia's best explainer ... A brilliant read' Annabel Crabb Winner of the 2013 Prime Minister's Literary Award, 2012 Walkley Book Award, and Australia's bestselling political book of 2012 There's no better place to be during economic turbulence than Australia. Brilliant in a bust, we've learnt to use our brains in a boom. Despite a lingering inability to acknowledge our achievements at home, the rest of the world asks: how did we get it right? George Megalogenis, one of our most respected political and economic writers, reviews the key events since the 1970s that have forged institutional and political leadership and a canny populace. He examines how we developed from a closed economy racked by the oil shocks, toughed it out during the sometimes devastating growing pains of deregulation, and survived the Asian financial crisis, the dotcom tech wreck and the GFC to become the last developed nation standing in the 2000s. As a result, whatever happens next, we're as well positioned as any to survive the ongoing rumblings of the Great Recession. Drawing on newly declassified documents, fresh interviews with our former prime ministers and a unique ability to bring the numbers to life, Megalogenis describes how, at just the right time, the Australian people became more farsighted than our politicians. We stopped spending before the rest of the world, and at the top of a boom voted out a government that was throwing around the biggest bribes ever offered. The Australian Moment is packed with original insight, challenging our often partisan selective memories and revealing how our leadership and community have underestimated each other's contribution to the nation's resilience. 'This man is perhaps the sanest journalist in Australia. He believes in facts and figures. He has a unique grasp of politics in all its messy detail. The result is this splendid account of the great reforms of the last 40 years that have made Australia, he says, 'the last rich nation standing in the 21st century'.' David Marr 'Megalogenis has the rare gift of being both comprehensive and detailed. He identifies big-picture global trends and demonstrates them forensically. The Australian Moment is him at his insightful, meticulous best. Anyone interested in Australia's political history and future, anyone who wants to understand our economic and cultural development, has no reasonable choice but to imbibe this. It is indispensably important.' Waleed Aly 'Arguably the most important work on Australian economics and modern political history of our generation' Australian Book Review 'Probably the best exposition of Australia's political history over the period of market liberal reform, and from the viewpoint of the reformers, that we have seen, or are likely to' John Quiggin, Canberra Times 'Stimulating ... It is a tribute to the intellectual power of the book that it provokes the reader to consider seriously the compelling counter-argument that, instead of continuing to progress, we have in some crucial ways squandered our inheritance' Sydney Morning Herald 'The Australian Moment reminds us that politics really does matter because the power of government matters ... George Megalogenis is no ordinary journalist' Canberra Times 'Lucid and flowing ... One of the best communicators in Australia today' Courier-Mail 'Wise, considered and incisive ... [a] lucid and penetrating portrait of Australia during the past 40 years' Herald Sun 'Highly recommended' Good Reading

Two Futures

Author: Clare O'Neil
Publisher: Text Publishing
ISBN: 1922253022
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 255

Book Description
Beset by spin and the battle to win each news cycle, contemporary politics is mired in short-term thinking. Too little time is given to considering creative ways in which we could tackle key issues—a lagging education system, the destruction of our coastlines, Asia’s economic ascendancy—in the decades ahead. In this agenda-setting book, new federal parliamentarians Clare O’Neil and Tim Watts present a vision for six vital areas of public policy that will determine what life in Australia is like in 2040. They provide fresh insights into the role of government and individuals alike in shaping the future. Optimistic and impassioned, analytical and ideas-driven, Two Futures starts the conversation that, at this critical juncture, the nation needs to have. Clare O'Neil is the federal Labor member for the seat of Hotham, in Melbourne's south-east. She was Australia's youngest female mayor and has been a management consultant with McKinsey & Company. She studied public policy as a Fulbright Scholar at Harvard’s Kennedy School. Tim Watts is the federal Labor member for the seat of Gellibrand, in Melbourne's west. Prior to entering parliament he was a senior manager at Telstra. He has been a lawyer at Mallesons Stephen Jaques and studied at the London School of Economics. ‘A must-read publication from two talented federal members concerned about a better and fairer future for Australia.’ Steve Bracks ‘A refreshing look at the big issues in the decades ahead.’ Laura Tingle, Political Editor, Australian Financial Review ‘An insightful contribution to the policy debate about the future of our country.’ Catherine Livingstone, President, Business Council of Australia ‘Provocative, clear-sighted and jargon-free.’ Age/Sydney Morning Herald ‘This book is a must-read for thinking Australians.’ ANZ LitLovers ‘A welcome, often ambitious and sobering book.’ Daily Review

Great Moments in Australian History

Author: Jonathan King
Publisher: ReadHowYouWant.com
ISBN: 145960301X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 658

Book Description
Great Moments in Australian History presents an exciting collection of stories about the most colourful highlights and heroes of Australia's history. Pioneering a fresh approach, award-winning author Jonathan King dramatises events to bring each moment vividly to life. Dodge Aboriginal spears as we land with early Dutch explorers; creep by night into an open boat with convict Mary Bryant as she escapes from Botany Bay; sneak into Matthew Flinders' French prison cell as he names Australia; break down doors with the redcoats to arrest Governor Bligh; confront 'Wild White Man' William Buckley as he returns from the dead after 30 years; fight for democracy at the Eureka Stockade; join Ned Kelly in his last shoot-out; ride down mountains with the Man from Snowy River; land with the Anzacs at Gallipoli; gallop across deserts with the Light Horse on history's last successful cavalry charge; fly the first plane from the UK to Australia; climb the steps as our first woman enters parliament; join Bradman on the pitch as he makes history; help soldiers stop Japanese troops advancing down the Kokoda Track; throw a boomerang with the first Aboriginal elected to parliament; feel Whitlam's outrage as he is dismissed; watch the angel of the Bali bombing save lives; and escape the nation's worst bushfires in stories that will take your breath away. Filled with graphic images, the book presents the big picture, from the discoveries of the early explorers to the cut and thrust of modern-day politics. In laying bare events that shaped the nation, it highlights vital turning points that marked the end of an era and the start of something new, showing just how dramatically Australia has changed. Sometimes fact is indeed stranger than fiction.

Turning Points in Australian History

Author: Martin Crotty
Publisher: UNSW Press
ISBN: 1921410566
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 315

Book Description
This exciting and stimulating book looks back at turning points and crucial moments in Australian history. Rather than arguing that there have been forks on a pre-determined road, the book challenges us to think about other paths or better paths that might have led to different outcomes.

The Australian Nexus

Author: Randall Doyle
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
ISBN: 0739181556
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 164

Book Description
In 2018, Australia finds itself at the center of a geopolitical storm within the Indo-Pacific region. With the meteoric rise of China and the perceived decline of U.S. influence and power in East Asia, Australia is faced with some rather difficult and uncomfortable questions concerning its economic future and its national security. Historically, Australia has always had a major power as its key ally, especially in terms of its national security. In 1901, Australia became a self-governing nation. However, Great Britain continued to protect Australia from potential external enemies, because Australia remained an important and valued commonwealth nation within the British empire. However, at the beginning of the Pacific War during WWII, Australia reached out to America after the British colony Singapore collapsed in the face of the oncoming and powerful Japanese imperial military forces in February 1942. With the empire of Japan marching southward in the Pacific region, Australian prime minister John Curtin anxiously requested, in late-December 1941, that America come save the nation from being invaded by the Japanese imperial army and naval forces. Due to its own strategic needs against Japan, the U.S. agreed to send its military forces to Australia. Thus, began a geostrategic relationship that has lasted for seventy-five years. Hence, Australia has remained one of America's most reliable allies throughout the post-WWII era. But, at the end of the second decade of the 21st century, the geostrategic dynamics of the Indo-Pacific have changed dramatically. China's unprecedented rise to power— economically, militarily and diplomatically—has forced Australia to reevaluate its policies and position within the East Asian hemisphere. And, to further complicate Australia's current predicament, America itself is experiencing a major political upheaval with the stunning election of Donald Trump as its new president in 2016. Henceforth, Australia increasingly finds itself in uncharted waters—geopolitically. Australians are confronted with the irrefutable reality that they are living not only in the most pivotal region of the world, but one that is in the midst of an historic transformation. In essence, Australia finds itself at the center of a geostrategic storm.

The Click Moment

Author: Frans Johansson
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 110160140X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 285

Book Description
In the story of every great company and career, there is one defining moment when luck and skill collide. This book is about making that moment happen. According to Frans Johansson’s research, successful people and organizations show a common theme. A lucky moment occurs and they take advantage of it to change their fate. Consider how Diane von Furstenberg saw Julie Nixon Eisenhower on TV wearing a matching skirt and top, and created the timeless, elegant wrap-dress. That was a “click moment” of unexpected opportunity. Johansson uses stories from throughout history to illustrate the specific actions we can take to create more click moments, place lots of high-potential bets, open ourselves up to chance encounters, and harness the complex forces of success that follow.

Solved

Author: Andrew Wear
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
ISBN: 1786079003
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 336

Book Description
Denmark is set to achieve 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030. Iceland has topped the gender equality rankings for a decade and counting. South Korea’s average life expectancy will soon reach ninety. How have these places achieved such remarkable outcomes? And how can we apply those lessons to our own communities? The future we want is already here - it's just not evenly distributed. By bringing together for the first time tried and tested solutions to society's most pressing problems, from violence to inequality, Andrew Wear shows that the world we want to live in is already within reach. Solved is a much-needed dose of optimism in an atmosphere of doom and gloom. Informative, accessible and revelatory, it is a celebration of the power of human ingenuity to make the future brighter for everyone.

Body Lengths

Author: Leisel Jones
Publisher: Black Inc.
ISBN: 1925203476
Category : Sports & Recreation
Languages : en
Pages : 300

Book Description
From the moment I am born, I am like no-one else around me. I am a fish out of water. Even in the pool. Leisel Jones is rightly regarded as one of the greatest breaststrokers ever. At just fifteen, she won two silver medals at the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000; she went on to win gold at Athens and Beijing, and at London 2012 became the first Australian swimmer to compete at four Olympics. For the first time, Leisel candidly describes what it’s like to be thrust into the limelight so young. She reveals the constant pressure she was under – from coaches, from the media and from herself – to be perfect. Despite the highs of her swimming stardom, she suffered depression, and at one time planned to take her own life. In London, criticised in the media for her weight, and appalled by the bullying and dysfunction in the Australian swim team, Leisel nevertheless handled herself with great composure. She has emerged with maturity and good humour, having finally learnt how to be herself and live with confidence. Body Lengths is the inspiring story of an Australian sporting hero, told with humour, optimism and style. Longlisted, 2016 Australian Book Industry Awards ‘There were times when it wasn’t easy for Leisel, but she came through as one of the greatest swimmers of all time.’ —Ray Warren ‘Swimming, success and sadness - all wrapped up in the bio of one of our greatest athletes.’ —Cosmopolitan ‘Gripping, confronting and important, Body Lengths is a masterfully told story that will leave you with a disturbing new look at elite sport and at life. If you are not afraid of dark places – of seeing the flaws that exist in us all – you won’t be able to put the book down.’ —Crossing the Line ‘Gold, silver and blues’ —Herald Sun ‘Many autobiographies claim to be no holds barred, but we’re pressed to think of many that are as searingly honest as Leisel Jones’ account of her struggles with isolation and suicidal anguish. One of Australia’s greatest Olympic swimmers is known to the world for her sunny public persona and athletic grit, but outside of the pool and limelight, her path hasn’t been easy. Body Lengths exposes some of the darker aspects of competitive sport, but what stuck with us was Jones’ courage to speak her truth – as well as her disarming humility and passion.’ —iBooks, Best Books of October ‘A compelling and thought-provoking story, Leisel’s honesty is remarkably heroic and poignant.’ —Layne Beachley AO ‘Lethal Leisel was an incredible role model and an inspiration for my generation. She epitomises the Olympic dream!’ —Sally Fitzgibbons ‘Leisel gives a fascinating and candid account of her time as an elite swimmer and what it was like to be thrust into the limelight at such a young age She writes engagingly of the personal high and low points, the relationships and friendships, and the huge demands of maintaining her fitness and training over the years.’ —The City Leisel Jones retired from swimming in 2012 as the winner of three Olympic gold medals, and many Commonwealth and world championship medals. She was a commentator at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, and in 2015 was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame. Felicity McLean is the author of several books. She has written for the Daily Telegraph, the Courier Mail, the Big Issue and more.

Pagan Portals - Australian Druidry

Author: Julie Brett
Publisher: John Hunt Publishing
ISBN: 1785353713
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 115

Book Description
Pagan Portals: Australian Druidry works as a supplement to the study of Druidry and other nature-based spiritual paths as practiced in Australia. The seasons, animals, plants and ancestral histories of the land in Australia are quite different from those of the Celtic lands where Druidry originates. Julie Brett discusses the difficulties of following a nature-based tradition in an environment wildly different from Druidism's place of origin, and offers practical information on how to adapt the practice of Druidry to suit the energy of the land and respect its spirits and ancestors.